MAN UNITED STRIKER Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims that he suffers from “latent racism” in Sweden, suggesting that if he was blonde he would get more support.
The forward recently completed his comeback from a serious knee injury, but has since picked up a further problem that will likely see him sidelined for much of January.
Ibrahimovic, though he has enjoyed a glittering career that has seen him win multiple trophies in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France and England, says that he is still subject to unfair criticism from the media in his homeland.
“They still attack me today because they do not accept me being Ibrahimovic,” the 36-year-old told Canal+.
“If another player made the same mistakes as me, they would defend him. When it’s me, they do not defend me. But it’s okay, it’s what made me stronger.
“I’m talking about racism. I’m not saying it’s asserted racism, but latent racism. That’s it, I’m sure. If my name was Svensson or Andersson, or if I was blonde, they would defend me even if I robbed a bank.
“I’m probably the best Swedish player in history. What I did, no-one had done before.
“The record of number of times anyone had won the Swedish Player of the Year was two. And how many did I win? 11. It never happened before. I’ve done for Swedish football what nobody has. I’m the best.”
Ibrahimovic, who spent four seasons with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Old Trafford, believes his mindset is more aligned with that in France.
“You should adore me because I represent France perfectly,” he said. “When I was in France, it was claimed I was arrogant, but the French people are known for their arrogance.”
Ibrahimovic played 116 times for Sweden but retired from international duty in 2016 after scoring 62 goals.
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1. Gary Breen
2. Gary Breen
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There’s only 1 Gary Breen (sing it)
Now that team would have no bother Knocking a few past the Estonians!!
Please let all this Euro 2012 bullsh*t go away quickly.
Come on Estonia.
What about Keith Andrews and Caleb Folan?
That’s some team alright!
What! No Ronnie Whelan, Mark Lawrenson, Packie Bonner or John Aldridge
Should argue that the team was based on consensus, but not outright agreement, between the four co-managers. I had Bonner and Aldo in my eleven!
No Kevin Kilbane? I’m out.
Packie as GK I would argue.
Fact.
Great team – maybe Moran at the back instead of Dunne, but a close call.
Great bench too – Aldridge, Duff, O’Leary, Bonner, Quinn, Whelan, Townsend.
Agreed on Moran, not arguing with Dunne’s contribution but Moran has three major tournaments behind him. Possibly Aldo/Givens instead of Stapo??
Well what about Liam Whelan? Tony Dunne? Noel Cantwell? Johnny Carey? All should be considered except they played before armchair afficianados knew best.
Also it would be easier if you adopted the classic ‘W’ formation when allocating positions viz 1 Goalkeeper, 2 Right Back, 3 Left Back, 4 Right-Half, 5 Centre-Half, 6 Left-Half, 7 Outside Right, 8 Inside Right, 9 Centre Foward 10 Inside Left, 11 Outside Left
Sorry to be so old fashioned!
dead on but very little footage of these lads in action.
As brilliant as Liam Whelan was for United, he only had four caps for Ireland. That’s too little to be considered. Dunne rarely repeated his United form for Ireland.
Well Miguel only four caps yes but that was because he was killed at Munich. He’s was Ireland’s Duncan Edwards
wouldnt have staunton in there, irwin should be at LB. no because i dislike him as a manager, i just dont feel he was that good despite his 100+ caps. kilbane has that many and nobody rates him that highly
better irish RB would be carr, gary kelly or finnan.
john o shea won a stack of medals at united so possibly him at lb if irwin is at rb
Great except for the notable exception of one Gary Doherty
What! No Tony Grealish? The Chuck Norris of Irish football. Remember that 40 yard screamer vs Cyprus.
davie langan 12foot tall when he pulled on the green jersey one of irelands best ever
Forgotten Heroes
GK: Dean Kiely
RB: Gary Kelly
CB: Gary Breen
CB: Phil Babb
LB: Ian Harte
RM: Jason McAteer
CM: Mark Kinsella
LM: Kevin Kilbane
RF: David Connolly
CF: Gary Doherty
LF: Clinton Morrison
Where is steve highway, heart of Mick McCarthy more than the skills,
That’s a great team, no complaints there. Subs bench of Kevin Moran, Ronnie Whelan, John Aldridge, Quinner and Mick McCarthy.
What !
No Gary Waddock ?
No Ashley Grimes ?!!
What about Bernie Slaven ?!!!
Terry Phlean…any games?
Quinny instead of stapleton maybe, Lawrenson for Dunne maybe/maybe not? Duff/Houghton?, Very tight calls, Also it is quite a recent team, giles apart, Did any of the greats of the past get a look in? It is a great team however and would take a bit of beating!
I wouldn’t let Roy Keane near an Irish shirt.
0-0 tonight and 1-1 on Tuesday.
To offer my two (or maybe 11) cents… based exclusively on their performances for Ireland and effect on biggest games
1. Packie Bonner
2. Chris Hughton
3. Denis Irwin
4. Paul McGrath
5. Kevin Moran
6. Roy Keane
7. Ray Houghton
8. John Giles
9. Robbie Keane
10. Niall Quinn
11. Liam Brady
Don’t think much of Keane as a footballer. Great heart yes and Irish through & through!
Can’t argue too much about that selection. Pity no room for Ronnie Whelan. For 32 counties add Jennings,Dougan & Best…..NOW you’re talking World beaters!
. Packie Bonner
. .Steve Finnan Richard Dunne paul McGrath Denis irwin
Damian Duff Roy Keane
Johnny Giles
Liam Brady
Robbie Keane
Niall Quinn
cant forget about this amazing centre back also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoUNrjrRXw8
0-0 tonight, 1-1 Tuesday.
shu-upyatick
No place for Clinton McMorris??!!!!!
Seriously though, great team, I might just make one change…Duff for Houghton!